Global innovation spotlight: Peru

From agricultural drones to pay-as-you-go financing for solar power, discover exciting innovations from Peru

Reflecting our global Springwise readership, we explore the innovation landscape and freshest thinking from a new country each week. To celebrate Peruvian independence day, we are celebrating three exciting innovations from Peru…

Peru innovation facts

Global Innovation Index ranking: 70th

Climate targets: limit emissions to around  123 Megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (excluding land use, land use change, and forestry) by 2030

Sustainability issues

Illegal gold mining – Despite crackdown efforts by the government, illegal gold mining remains a key issue in Peru, leading to deforestation, polluted waterways, and mercury in the food chain. The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that illegal mining accounts for up to $48 billion (around €47 billion) a year in criminal proceeds.

Water scarcity – Access to clean water and sanitation has improved in Peru over recent years, but shortfalls remain. Two million Peruvians lack access to an improved water source while 4 million lack access to improved sanitation. Moreover, these figures do not take into account remote Andean communities with no piped water. Rapid urbanisation and slum-dwelling exacerbate the lack of access to water and sanitation.

Deforestation – Peru is one of the world’s most forested countries. Only Brazil has a larger area of Amazonian rainforest. But today, Peru’s forests are under threat, with 1,100 square miles of forest cut down every year. Altogether, deforestation and degradation accounts for nearly half of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Sector specialisms

Agtech

Edtech

Fintech

Source: Startup Universal

Three exciting innovations from Peru

A PERUVIAN STARTUP USES DRONES AND AI TO HELP FARMERS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

Farmers have always had to contend with the vagaries of the weather, but in recent years, increasing variability and extreme weather conditions have made it even harder to maintain healthy crops. Now, Space Ag is using data captured from drones and mobile sensors to generate artificial intelligence models that help farmers make better decisions. This includes maximising yields, optimising the use of resources such as water and fertilisers, and reducing the impact of pests and diseases. Read more

DRONES TRACK POLLUTION TO PROVIDE REAL-TIME AIR QUALITY DATA

Today, air pollution contributes to 11.65 per cent of deaths each year around the world. Peruvian startup qAIRa combines static and mobile monitoring for the most up-to-date air quality information. Constant data streams help urban planners and transport managers track the environmental effects of their work, while alerting communities to the best times of day to be outside. Knowing when to avoid going outside can help to keep vulnerable populations safe. Read more

PAY-AS-YOU-GO FINANCING MAKES RENEWABLE ENERGY MORE ACCESSIBLE

Many communities in rural Peru are mostly off-grid, relying on lanterns, cookstoves, and candles for heat and light. But now, renewable energy sources are replacing candles and diesel generators in much of the country. Provided by social enterprise PowerMundo, solar-powered lamps help children complete their homework, artisans work in the evening, and doctors attend to patients at night. The organisation also provides communication technologies, improved cookstoves, and water filtration systems. Read more

Words: Matthew Hempstead

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